9 Best Ways To Make Money Recycling

Last updated on 8th May, 2025 at 01:40 pm

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You can actually make money recycling—I’ve done it myself, and it’s easier than you think.

A few months ago, I gathered a pile of aluminum cans from my garage, which I almost tossed in the trash. Turns out that “junk” put an extra $20 in my pocket. Not bad for something I was going to throw away, right?

If you’ve ever doubted whether recycling for cash is worth it, I get it. I used to think the same.

But once I saw how those small amounts add up—and how good it feels to keep waste out of landfills—I was hooked.

How Much Can You Really Earn?

Recycling isn’t just about saving the planet (though that’s a huge bonus). It’s also a simple way to pad your wallet. Here’s what you can earn:

• Aluminum cans: 35 to 50 cents per pound
• Plastic bottles: A few cents each (depending on your state)
• Glass bottles: 2 to 15 cents per bottle

And that’s just the start. The U.S. tosses out 2.5 million plastic bottles every hour. Imagine if even half of those were recycled for cash instead.

Why This Works?

You’re not just making money recycling—you’re cutting down waste while doing it. The more you recycle, the more you earn, and the less ends up in landfills.

If you’re curious about the best ways to get started, I’ve put together a list of the top 9 ways to make money recycling.

It’s easier than you think, and hey, who doesn’t like extra cash for stuff they’d normally throw out?

Want to easily revisit the 9 best ways to make money recycling? Save this image to your favourite Pinterest board!

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1. Make Money Recycling Glass Bottles and Jars

You’ve probably heard about different ways to make money online, but what about making money right in your own neighborhood?

Yes, you can actually make money recycling glass bottles and jars, and it’s simpler than you think.

In many states, those empty bottles sitting in your recycling bin could be worth 5 to 10 cents each thanks to deposit laws. Instead of tossing them out, why not turn them into extra money? All you have to do is collect, clean, and return them.

Want to boost your earnings? Ask friends, family, or even local cafes if they have bottles to spare. More bottles mean more cash in your pocket. Just give them a quick rinse to avoid sticky surprises later.

Glass might not get recycled as often as aluminum, but it’s one of the most efficient materials to reuse. A single glass bottle can be cleaned, melted, and back on store shelves in just 30 days.

Plus, modern glass bottles are about 40% lighter than they were 30 years ago, which means less waste and a smaller carbon footprint.

While glass recycling isn’t mandatory everywhere, 10 states have deposit programs that pay you for returning bottles.

So next time you finish a jar of pasta sauce or a soda bottle, don’t throw it away—turn it into cash instead.

2. Make Money Recycling Aluminum Cans

You might not believe it, but I used to think recycling aluminum cans was just about saving the environment. Then I found out you can actually make money recycling them—and it’s one of the easiest side hustles.

I remember the first time I took a bag of cans to a recycling center. It wasn’t a fortune, but that extra $20 helped cover my gas for the week. Not bad for something most people throw away, right?

Besides putting extra cash in your pocket, recycling aluminum is one of the most eco-friendly ways to make money.

Did you know recycling aluminum uses 95% less energy than making new cans from scratch? So, every can you collect help the planet while padding your wallet.

Yeah, it won’t make you rich overnight, but if you’re looking for a simple way to make money recycling, this is a no-brainer. Plus, it’s a great habit that pays you back—literally.

3. Make Money Recycling Plastic Bottles and Containers

What if I told you those empty plastic bottles lying around could put cash in your pocket?

It’s crazy to think about, but every hour, Americans toss out millions of plastic bottles. That’s not just trash—it’s money waiting to be picked up. If you’ve ever wanted a simple way to make money recycling, this is it.

You don’t need special skills or a fancy setup. Just collect empty water and soda bottles, take them to a recycling center, and get paid.

Depending on where you live, you could earn five to ten cents per bottle. States with bottle deposit programs pay the most, so if you’re in one of those, you’re in luck.

A few cents per bottle might not sound like much at first, but think about it. If you recycle consistently, those small amounts add up fast. Plus, you’re doing something good for the planet while padding your wallet.

Before you start, remember to rinse your bottles and peel off the labels. It’s a small step, but it makes the process smoother.

Here’s what you can expect to earn per bottle:

• $0.05 to $0.10 per plastic bottle (pricing varies by state deposit programs)
• $0.05 to $0.15 per glass bottle

So why not give it a try? Next time you finish a drink, don’t toss the bottle—save it. Before you know it, you’ll have a pile worth cashing in. 

Making money from recycling is one of the easiest side hustles out there, and honestly, it’s a no-brainer.

4. Make Money Recycling Scrap Metal

Can you really make money recycling scrap metal? Absolutely!

It’s one of those simple yet overlooked ways to earn extra money, and the good thing is, you might already have some valuable scrap lying around your home.

I used to think recycling was just about being eco-friendly, but then I realized how much cash you can actually make from it.

Metals like copper, brass, and aluminum are in high demand, and scrap yards are willing to pay good money for them.

Why is scrap metal worth your time?

Copper alone can fetch over $3 per pound, and even aluminum brings in around 55 cents. Steel may not be as valuable, but if you collect enough, it adds up fast. The key is knowing where to look and how to prepare your scrap before selling it.

So, how do you get started? First, sort and clean your metal. A simple trick is using a magnet—if it sticks, it’s ferrous (like steel), and if it doesn’t, it’s non-ferrous (like copper or aluminum).

Non-ferrous metals usually pay more, so separating them can boost your earnings.

Next, check places like:

• Construction sites (with permission)
• Online marketplaces for free scrap listings
• Your own garage or basement (old wires, pipes, and appliances can be gold mines)

Just remember to remove any plastic or rubber parts before taking them in.

5. Make Money Recycling Cardboard

With online shopping booming, cardboard boxes are everywhere—stacked in garages, piling up at offices, and even tucked away in your neighbor’s storage. Instead of tossing them, why not turn them into extra money?

Recycling centers typically pay between 42 to 62 cents per pound for used cardboard. That might not sound like much at first, but when you start gathering boxes from friends, local businesses, or even your own deliveries, it adds up fast.

If you’re serious about making money recycling, here’s how to get started:

• Collect boxes from everywhere—ask family, friends, or nearby offices if they have extras. The more you gather, the more you earn.
• Sell in bulk—sites like BoxCycle connect you with buyers who need moving boxes. Just make sure your cardboard is clean and dry to get the best price.
• Start a small pickup service—offer to collect cardboard from neighbors for a small fee, like $5 per pickup. Then, take it to a recycling center and keep the profits.

It’s a simple way to make extra cash while helping the planet. Plus, once you get the hang of it, you might be surprised how quickly those small earnings grow.

Here are a few tips to maximize your efforts:

• Sort your paper by type before taking it to a recycling center. Clean and organized paper fetches better prices.
• Look for local businesses or schools that might want to partner with you. They often have large amounts of recyclable paper.
• Consider selling unique paper items like vintage magazines or craft paper to artists and hobbyists on platforms like eBay or Etsy.

You do not need any fancy equipment or special skills to get started. All it takes is a little effort and creativity.

If you are someone who enjoys side hustles that are both profitable and meaningful, making money recycling paper could be perfect for you. It is a chance to contribute to something bigger while still benefiting yourself.

6. Make Money Recycling Paper

That stack of “trash” sitting in the corner?

Not only can you clear out some clutter around your home, but you can also turn what would have been waste into something useful and profitable.

Let me break it down for you. In the U.S., about 68 percent of paper gets recycled, which is great, but there’s still room to grow.

Paper products account for a quarter of landfill waste, meaning there’s plenty of opportunity to reduce waste and make a little extra cash in the process.

To get going, gather items like old newspapers, magazines, junk mail, or even school papers lying around your house. Ask your friends, family, or neighbors if they have any paper they no longer need.

Many people are happy to pass along their unwanted items, especially if they know it’s going to be put to good use.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you get started

• Sort your paper by type before taking it in. This makes the process smoother and might even increase the amount you earn.
• Check with your local recycling center to see what kinds of paper they accept and how much they pay per pound.
• Keep an eye out for community recycling drives or programs that offer incentives for turning in large amounts of recyclables.

The beauty of making money recycling paper is that it doesn’t require any fancy tools or special skills. All you need is a bit of effort and a willingness to give it a try.

And who knows? Once you see how easy and rewarding it is, you might find yourself looking for other ways to recycle and earn extra income.

7. Make Money Recycling Electronics

I used to think my outdated gadgets were worthless until I realized how easy it is to make money recycling them. Instead of tossing them out, you can turn them into cash while doing something good for the planet.

Turns out, a shocking $1.8 trillion goes to waste every year because people don’t realize the value of their old tech.

But if you wipe your data properly, you could boost its resale value by 5 to 10%. Not bad for something you weren’t using anyway, right?

Wondering where to sell? These spots make it super simple:

• Decluttr (great for phones and tablets)
• Gazelle (fast payouts)
• Amazon Trade-In (store credit or cash)
• Apple (if you’re loyal to the brand)

They’ll give you an instant quote, and most even cover shipping. Easy money.

Now, before you ship anything off, there’s one non-negotiable step—erase your data completely.

With over 22 billion records leaked in 2021 alone, you don’t want your selfies or bank details floating around. A quick factory reset isn’t always enough, so double-check.

Oh, and here’s something cool—your junk is packed with valuable stuff. Gold, copper, and even reusable plastic. Companies actually want those materials, meaning your e-waste could be someone else’s treasure.

So next time you upgrade your phone or laptop, don’t just stash the old one. Make money recycling it, pad your wallet, and keep tech waste out of landfills. Win-win.

8. Make Money Recycling Used Clothing and Textiles

Those old jeans at the back of your closet or the pile of shirts you never wear could actually help you make money recycling clothes.

Think about it—the average American tosses around 81 pounds of clothing every year. That’s a lot of fabric ending up in landfills when most of it could get a second life.

Instead of trashing your unwanted clothes, why not turn them into cash or discounts while keeping them out of the waste cycle?

If your clothes are still in good shape, selling them is one of the easiest ways to make money recycling. Try these options:

• Online platforms like Poshmark, thredUP, eBay, and Etsy are great for selling gently used items.
• Local thrift stores and consignment shops often buy or sell your clothes for you.
• Even household textiles like bedsheets, towels, and curtains can find buyers on Facebook Marketplace or eBay.

Some brands actually pay you (or give you store credit) just for bringing in old clothes. For example:

• Universal Standard offers a $25 coupon per recycled item.
• H&M hands out a 15% discount card for every bag of used clothing you donate.
• Levi’s has a denim recycling program that gets you a gift card worth 5to5to35.

And it’s not just about the perks—brands like J.Jill have turned clothing donations into over $17 million in charitable contributions.

So when you recycle, you’re not just making money, you’re helping a bigger cause.

9. Make Money Recycling Composting Food Scraps

You might not think twice about tossing banana peels or coffee grounds into the trash, but what if I told you those scraps could actually help you make money recycling?

Composting isn’t just for gardeners—it’s a simple way to cut costs, boost your income, and do something good for the planet.

Instead of sending kitchen waste to the landfill, composting transforms it into rich, nutrient-packed soil.

That means fewer trips to buy expensive fertilizers, and if you grow your own veggies, you could even sell or donate the extras. Some cities even pay residents for composting, so it’s worth checking if your area has a similar program.

But the benefits go beyond your backyard. Did you know the recycling industry generates $117 billion annually in the U.S.?

It supports over 681,000 jobs, proving that sustainable habits like composting don’t just help the earth—they fuel the economy too.

Compared to landfills or incinerators, composting creates more jobs, which means more opportunities for people looking to make money recycling or working in green industries.

Getting started is easier than you think. A small bin, some food scraps, and a little patience are all you need to turn waste into something valuable.

Whether you’re saving on garden supplies, earning through local programs, or just reducing trash, composting is a win-win. 

Conclusion

At the end of the day, recycling isn’t just about clearing out your space or reducing waste—it’s about seeing value where others see trash.

When you focus on paper recycling, you’re tapping into a process that benefits your wallet and the planet in equal measure. It’s a small action with big ripple effects, and it all starts with deciding to take that first step.

What makes this even more exciting is how accessible it is. You don’t need special equipment, technical know-how, or a huge time commitment. All you need is a little initiative and the willingness to turn everyday items into something useful.

Plus, as you dive deeper into the world of recycling, you might uncover other opportunities to grow your earnings while shrinking your environmental footprint.

Now is the perfect time to get started. Gather those old papers, connect with your local recycling center, and watch as your efforts translate into real results.

Don’t wait for someone else to do it—be the change you want to see. And hey, I’d love to hear how it goes for you.

Share your experience in the comments below. Are you already making money recycling? Or do you have questions about getting started?

FAQ – Make Money Recycling

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